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Reference is made to the letter entitled ‘Public transport – all pain and no pleasure’ – that appeared on the MaltaToday of the 9 January 2005. We feel that in parts, Mr Borg unfairly criticized the Malta Transport Authority and listed certain deficiencies, which we consider to be somewhat pre-mature at this point in time. The Malta Transport Authority has only been in operation for three years and a substantial improvement has occurred in this sector with the replacement of the old fleet, the installation of the new bus shelters (an initiative carried out in conjunction with the Local Councils), the introduction of the ticketing and vending machines, improvement of obligatory customer-care courses for public transport personnel, the extension and introduction of several new bus routes and the introduction of bus lanes.
While we recognise the fact that there is much room for improvement it is vital to mention that certain aspects of our transport system are of a much higher standard than those found in many European cities. Mr Borg mentions that fares have been hiked up. The last public transport fare adjustment was carried out in 1999. Over the years it resulted that the net income to the Association had relatively decreased in real terms due to the increase in fuel costs, cost of living increase and other increases relating to services such as maintenance and repair of vehicles. It was consequently deemed necessary to adjust the fares to keep in line with the increasing costs being incurred by the ATP. Moreover, when one compares the actual fares to the distance traveled, the fare paid is relatively inexpensive. This coupled with the fact that in Malta nearly 90 routes are operational on a daily basis and every village has a connection to Valletta and to other major towns is sufficient proof that the service is an efficient one.
Mr Borg commented on the lack of travel information. This responsibility has now been passed on to the operators – the Association for Public Transport (ATP) - and consequently delays for the wintertime tables have been experienced. The ATP is currently working on the best way of presenting travel information with foreign public transport consultants (from Halcrow Group Limited) who have been commissioned by the ADT to assist it and the public transport operators in reforming the public transport operations and network.
The anecdotal incident mentioned by Mr Borg in his letter would have been better addressed at the time in question for the ADT to be able to take the necessary action. The ADT has always urged the public to report such shortcomings on the ADT’s Freephone: 8007 2393. The Malta Transport Authority, the Ministry of Urban Development and Roads and the Public Transport Association last October reached an Agreement which includes measures that will render the service more efficient and sustainable. These include: the introduction of new bus routes through several towns and villages; measures relating to the operation of low floor buses; the introduction of a Code of Conduct for bus drivers which should improve driver-customer relations; the introduction of an Operator’s Logbook recording the vehicle’s maintenance, repair, VRT inspection, as well as fuel consumption; the ATP’s commitment to making itself financially more accountable; the agreement for the introduction of an Automatic Vehicle Location System that would better control the operation of the bus fleet.
The Code of Conduct for the bus drivers will regulate, amongst other things, the drivers’ dress-code while at work, punctuality, efficiency, collection of bus fares, proper maintenance and cleanliness of the buses and the bus driver’s behaviour with passengers. Any bus driver breaching the Code of Conduct will be fined without the need to appear in Court and be officially charged with the offence.
Daniela Borg Mizzi
Manager
Public Relations and
Marketing
Malta Transport Authority
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